X-ray fluorescence methods for the recognition of minerals and rocks. Application to granite

Abstract

Geological knowledge is basic for the study of our Planet and its contents, being related to the analysis of minerals and rocks, the processes and mechanisms that act on the components of the Lithosphere and, therefore, with all the aspects that reflect the History of the Earth over time. In order to study the rocks, it is necessary to start with a petrographic analysis of the minerals, since it allows identifying them and also determining their main characteristics. The X-ray analysis allows distinguishing the structures and crystalline phases through the use of X-ray diffraction and the elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence. This work presents some modern applications instead of the traditional analytic routines, treating portable equipment, which allows developing a multi-elemental analysis in a fast and easy way. Finally, some conclusions related to the application of the method on granite have been extracted.